Blog Takeover from a Happy Guest

By Scott Toney

So, this week I think you loyal readers need a bit of a shakeup. Instead of hearing about the bold adventures of sailing, the pain and heartache of boat jobs, or the fun of sitting on a huge beach alone, I thought I would share my version of what happens on a visit to SV Luthien by more or less land lubbers. 

Late in March, Denice and I made it to the Bahamas to spend a week with Todd and Terri. We have spent several years learning about sailing with Todd and Terri, so we knew what to expect. For those of you that wonder “What would a visit be like?”, let me tell you.

This is a bit tricky. There are plans and then reality. Reality is governed mostly by weather. So flexibility as to where to meet the boat is important. Todd and Terri can plan pretty well, but it is best not to make the flight reservations too early. 

We flew into Marsh Harbour, Abacos, Bahamas. The short drive from the airport to the dock was easy. Getting into the dinghy (small boat used as the runabout for Luthien) (Terri’s note: Dinghy’s name is Beren) is a bit more exciting. It was a big step down a ladder onto a slightly unsteady seat. Bags had to be passed down. There is always the chance that something will get slightly (or very) wet. Once at Luthien, the process is reversed. Home sweet boat for a week.

The accommodations are very nice and quite cozy. The bed we had was almost all of a queen-sized bed. There is plenty of light and a good breeze in the cabin, but it is not a high ceiling affair. It would be hard for 2 people to dress at the same time. The bathroom is very functional, but also not large. Step into the shower to close the door. Step into the shower to open the door. 

Speaking of bathrooms… there is one important rule. Nothing goes into the toilet without first going through you. Toilet paper goes in a convenient trash can. This is not a hardship, but it is something you have to retrain yourself to do.

Todd will likely be up before you. Terri will likely not be up before you. Breakfast is usually (but not always) a self-serve affair. The day can get moving by 9 AM, but it does not need to be. In fact, there needs to be a reason to get moving so early. 

Speaking of food, the kitchen is small and efficient. You could have 2 people doing kitchen things at the same time, but it is very cozy. Usually, cooking is a one person at a time thing. There are lots of options and they can be adjusted to your preferences. We did a grocery run to the local store early on and got fresh food. Todd and Terri have lots of things in cans and frozen things. We cooked most evenings.

When we did not cook, we found ourselves at a local place to eat. No chain places to eat. Beach or waterfront eateries were common. Good food, strong drinks, and fun atmosphere.

These vary based on the location of Luthien. We had days where we explored quaint little towns. We had days where we snorkeled. We had beach days. It depends on what you like doing. Todd and Terri seemed happy to play tour guide. Here are a couple of the most memorable things from my point of view.

We had a day where we climbed a lighthouse. Another where we snorkeled in the AM and then took a dingy ride to a floating bar on a sand spit. (check the gas in the dinghy before you go…) Another where we snorkeled in a shell covered inlet that was full of Conchs after sailing in the Sea of Abaco. We had another where we took the dinghy to snorkel in 20 feet of crystal-clear water with a turtle, a ray, and a nurse shark on a fish covered reef. We had 2 beach days where the people per mile of beach were in the low double digits. I think you get the picture.

Cards, games, music, beverages. Think camping. Nothing much on the agenda besides hanging out and enjoying each other’s company and the cool local views. We looked at the Milky Way in deserted anchorages. We marveled at our good fortune to be where we were doing what we were doing. In the 70’s day and night… light jackets in the evening while outside. Night owls spread their wings. Early to bed types called it off earlier.

See arrival, but backwards. It was sad to be headed back to the work world. Especially since Todd and Terri have figured out how to avoid the real world. Good for them. We look forward to hanging again down the road.

Terri’s Note:

Thanks to Scott for putting this together! It’s always interesting to hear how others see this adventure. We were glad to have Scott and Denice’s company. It was generous of Scott to leave out the fact that we put you to work when you’re here: schlepping parts from the mainland in your suitcase; raising and lowering Beren multiple times; washing dishes; and hauling groceries are among the many chores. And there isn’t any paid housekeeping on this charter so if you see dirt, Terri will gladly get out the vacuum or vinegar for you to clean! But hopefully the reward of a few days of adventure and good company make up for it 🙂 See you on the seas!